Scoop's Meet The MPs Project: David Shearer

Scoop’s “Meet The New MPs” Project: Matthew Theunissen talks to Labour’s David Shearer – Watch the Video Below

It’s been a whirlwind six months for Labour MP David Shearer which has seen him flung from war-torn Baghdad into the houses of Parliament as the representative for Mount Albert.

He had been working for the United Nations Development Programme in Iraq when was contacted by Phil Goff who asked him to run for the Mount Albert seat - left vacant after Helen Clark also went to work for the UN.

“ I flew out of Iraq, changed planes and came to New Zealand straight after that... it was literally Baghdad to Balmoral,” he said.

It was a by-election dominated by personality politics and numerous verbal faux pas by the National Party’s outspoken contender Melissa, but Mr Shearer said it was his community-based approach which won him the election.

“The key thing for us was that we kept our eye on the ball and made sure that we were out there meeting people and listening to people so that a connection was made ,” he said.

For the previous 15 years he had worked in high-ranking positions for international aid organisations in countries afflicted by war including Rwanda, Somalia, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan.

He had also worked as an advisor to Phil Goff when he was the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and also as a high school teacher.

He said the skills he acquired in conflict zones could be effectively applied in his work for Mount Albert and as a Labour spokesperson for Research, Science, Technology and the Environment.

“It has given me a strong sense of management, of getting results, of negotiating, dealing with difficult people, bringing people together, and making a difference,” he said.

When Scoop spoke with David Shearer he was only half way through what would be a 16 hour day at Parliament – something he said he would need to get used to.

“It’s a lot of work and it’s tough on your private life, much more so than I thought it was going to be.”

The magnanimous MP from Mount Albert was in 1993 “New Zealander of the Year” by the New Zealand Herald for his work in Somalia, and his wide-ranging professional experience have many touting him as a major part of the future of the Labour Party – watch this space.

Q And A

What is your view on the decision taken by the Government in relation to the smacking referendum in terms of what it says about NZ democracy?

“I felt that the question was incredibly badly put. I listened to some of the pro smacking people - it wasn’t about a light smack for them it was actually a Trojan horse to bring back reasonable force and I disagreed with that.

“I think that the law at the moment is working - it might not be as neat and tidy as what we would like but it’s working, so I don’t see any reason to change it.”

What is your view on the merits of MMP vs FPP? Should there be another referendum on the subject and what is your preferred outcome?

“I think MMP is working I don’t think it is broken, but I think maybe we could improve it slightly.

“It was brought in for a particular reason and perhaps people have forgotten what that reason was.

“[Under FPP] governments were getting a three year term and then effectively running an agenda through without real regard for the consequences. Now what we have is a much more consensual approach - it’s much more balanced.

“There might be things we can improve on it, for example, we could have slightly more electorate seats and slightly less list seats.

“I think New Zealanders like voting for the person as well as voting for the party.”

Name a dream team of seven members of Parliament - people who you think exemplify how an MP should conduct him/herself. Your list of seven can only include three members of your own party.

Phil Goff I’ve known for many years and I find him inspirational. He’s worked all over the world and he’s one of the smartest people I’ve ever worked with.

“Annette King - I’ve got an enormous amount of time for her.

“I’ve come to know some of the new MPs: Phil Twyford and Grant Robertson, Maryan Street as well.

“Interestingly enough, Rodney Hide was my tutor at university. I did my thesis in Maori Spirtual values towards the environment and how they were not brought into environmental decision making - We argued at length.

“To give him his credit he saw my side and believed that I argued it well. So he’s been reasonably influential.

“Credit to John Key – he’s been able to seize the moment at this point in time as a Prime Minsiter.

“Jeanette Fitzsimon - I’ve got an enormous amount of time for her. She brought a new party into Parliament, solidified it and stood up for what she believed in. She hasn’t deviated from her principles which I really admire.”

Labour MP David Shearer talks with Matt Theunissen about his new job as a Member of Parliament, his background in politics and international aid, and his personal life.

Mr Shearer discussed his previous roles working for the United Nations and his return to New Zealand earlier this year to contend for the Mount Albert by-election.

He talks about the “gruelling” election campaign, which he ultimately won, and about some of the issues facing the Mount Albert electorate

Mr Shearer gives his views on the future of the MMP system, which he said is not broken and is a much better system than FPP.

He discusses the anti-smacking referendum and says that the current legislation should not be changed.

He names some MPs who have been inspirational to him. These include Phil Goff, John Key, Jeanette Fitzsimons, Phil Twyford, Grant Robertson, Maryan Street and Rodney Hide.

He talks about how he is finding life as a new MP and discusses some of his interests outside of politics.

Matthew Theunissen is a journalism student at Massey University

ENDS

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